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TR6 TR-6 purchase advice

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Rut

Rut

Obi Wan
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Good morning all,
I'm considering purchasing a TR-6 and would like to know what to look out for, years to consider, and pitfalls in general. I'm in process of restoring a bugeye and I love the car, but at my age it's just a little small. I grew up with Triumphs, a TR-3, 4A and 6 in the 60s and early 70s and the 4a, while problematic, was my favorite followed by the '72 TR-6. I don't remember anything really bad about the car (when I kept it on the road, shiny side up), but it's been a few years and I remember mostly the good. What features, years, etc. should I look for? My TR-6 did have overdrive and I know that's one thing I do want again. Thoughts?
Thanks, Rut
 
you can get Roger Williams book and it will tell you what to look for as far as the frame goes and rust areas, diff mounts, but as far as everything else, you cant go by the Odometer for correct mileage, or is the original engine, tranny and diff still in it, unless you have for sale by 1 owner which is unlikely, but if I was doing it again I would have spent as much money as possible and purchased a car from someone that has done all the work, unless you want to work on it your self, you will never get what you put into it.
and the engine, check compression and it will give you a good idea if it needs rebuilding, and then you can go stock or all out

good luck
Hondo
 
I was fortunate to find a low mileage car in good condition except for the engine. I paid plenty for the car but considering what it would cost to repair and replace parts it was a bargain. I had the engine rebuilt by a known and trusted builder and did not cut corners. I had it built for touring and dependability. Again, not cheap. But we just returned home from a 4,000 mile trip with no problems.
 
There are many with more expertise than me, but I will start, like any old car, body should be checked for rust thoroughly, Frames can rust as well, and do, especially towards the back half.

Thrust washers can wear out on the motor, if they have this can chew up the crank, which is bad. You can do a quick check by having someone push in the clutch while yuo watch to see if the front pulley (connected directly to the crank) moves in relationship to the block. Rear suspension and u joints should be inspected.

If you want a nice interior and the car you are looking at doesn't have one buying all the parts to make it nice can get expensive too.

That is a start, sure there are other things other will point out. The plus side is most everything you need to make things right or upgrade is readily available on the new and used market,
 
Thanks for the replys! Tom, I followed your trip on the Spridget forum with interest and was happy to see that it was very uneventful mechanically. I love my bugeye, but at 6' 1" and 200+ I don't fit very well and my wife and I would not take a long trip in it. It will be a fun car for around town, but that's about it. I'm looking for a reliable car that is comfortable enough to drive for a few days without getting beat up. From my TR-6 memories it was a really good highway car, but we had few interstates back then. Most of our travel will be about 4 to 5 hours at a time going back and forth to the Gulf coast, back roads all they way. Also, it will be a fall, winter, spring car at best since my wife refuses to be without AC. With retirement looming we need a car that we can use together part of the time and her car the rest. I hope I've provided useful insight and not ruled out the TR-6 as a potential car.
Thanks again, Rut
 
Rat,
There was a 71 TR6 advertised in the Sunday Birmingham News.
"Triumph TR6, 71, $7,500, Exc Condition, Runs Great! Call (205)999-0391."
I have not seen this car and have no financial interest.
Good Luck on your search!
 
Glad to see you back Tom and sage advice as always.....
 
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